How to grow Medlar in New Zealand
Medlar is an old European fruit tree in the rose family, related to apples, pears and quinces, with large white spring flowers and good autumn colour. Its small brown fruit is hard and astringent when picked and must be bletted, left to soften indoors for a few weeks, until it tastes like spiced apple sauce. It is hardy, self fertile and largely trouble free, and suits cooler New Zealand gardens.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Medlars in New Zealand
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | June to August | |
| Auckland | June to August | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | June to August | |
| Central North Island | June to August | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | June to August | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June to August | |
| Canterbury | June to August | |
| Otago & Southland | June to August | |
| Central Otago | June to August |
Where to plant
Medlars grow in most soils except very wet ones, and do best in deep, fertile, well-drained ground in full sun or light shade. They are hardy trees with a broad, spreading, somewhat sprawling habit, so allow them space; trees on dwarfing rootstock stay smaller.
They need some winter chill to fruit and do best in cooler districts. Late spring frosts can damage the tender new growth and flowers, so avoid frost pockets.
- Central North Island, Wellington, Nelson and Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Southland, and Central Otago: well suited. Plant bare-root trees from June to August.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty: winters may be too mild for good cropping in the warmest districts, but medlars still make attractive ornamental trees.
Choosing a variety
Named varieties include Nottingham, with small, well-flavoured fruit and prolific crops on a fairly compact tree, Dutch, and Large Russian or Macrocarpa types with bigger fruit. Grafted trees fruit sooner and more reliably than seedlings. One tree is enough, as medlars are self fertile.
How to plant
- Plant bare-root trees in winter while dormant; container trees can go in at other times, but avoid hot, dry weather.
- Dig a hole wider than the roots. On poor soil, mix a bucket of compost into the backfill.
- Plant at the depth the tree grew in the nursery, with the graft union above the soil.
- Put in a short, sturdy stake, water well and mulch, keeping mulch off the trunk.
Watering and feeding
Water young trees in dry spells for their first couple of years. Established medlars need little watering.
Feed in late winter or early spring with a general fertiliser, and mulch with compost.
Pruning and care through the year
- Medlars need little pruning. In winter, remove dead, damaged, crossing and crowded branches to keep an open, balanced shape.
- Remove any shoots from the rootstock.
Harvesting
Pick the fruit in late autumn, about May to June, when it comes away easily but is still hard, ideally in dry weather. Fruit can hang on the tree into early winter, and a light frost helps start the softening.
To blet, spread the fruit in a single layer, eye down, in a cool, dry place and leave it for about two to three weeks, until the flesh turns dark brown, soft and sweet. Scoop the pulp out with a teaspoon, or make it into medlar jelly or fruit cheese. Use fruit before it goes mouldy.
Pests and diseases
Medlars are relatively untroubled by pests and diseases. Birds may peck the fruit.
Pests to watch for
- Birds Fruit pecked on the tree in autumn.
Medlar is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
What does bletting mean?
Bletting is letting the hard, astringent medlar fruit soften and partly ferment after picking. Store the fruit in a cool, dry place for two to three weeks until the flesh is dark brown, soft and sweet.
What does medlar taste like?
Bletted medlar tastes rich and sweet, rather like spiced apple sauce or dates. It is eaten with a spoon or made into jelly.
When do I pick medlars?
In late autumn, about May to June, when the fruit comes away easily but is still hard. It is then bletted indoors.
Do I need two medlar trees?
No. Medlars are self fertile, so one tree will crop.
Can I grow medlars in the north?
They need some winter chill to fruit well, so they crop best in cooler districts. In the warm north they may fruit poorly but still make attractive small trees.
Sources we checked: RHS: How to grow medlars; Agroforestry NZ: Medlar (Mespilus germanica); Abbie Jury (Waikato Times): Plant collector, medlar.